Government Prioritises Early Operationalisation of Auctioned Mines; Efforts to Expedite Formalities – ACS Mines Aparna Arora

Jaipur, May 2026: Additional Chief Secretary (Mines and Petroleum) Aparna Arora has said that the early operationalisation of auctioned mines is a top priority of the state government. She stressed that special focus will be placed on the auction of pre-embedded blocks and plots of both major and minor minerals.

Arora stated that efforts will be made to reduce the 18-month timeline between the auction of mineral blocks and their commencement of operations. She also emphasised the need to shorten the 45-day period for issuance of Letters of Intent (LoI) by reducing delays in completing mandatory formalities. She said that preferred bidders must also proactively complete all required procedures without delay. Departmental processes, she added, should also be fast-tracked.

She was chairing a review meeting of senior officials from the Mines and Geology Department at the “Manthan” chamber in the Secretariat on Friday.

The ACS directed officials to prepare 20 major mineral blocks and around 100 minor mineral plots under the pre-embedded category during the current financial year. She noted that Rajasthan is currently leading the country in the auction of major mineral blocks, and has also secured the top position nationally in pre-embedded auctions with eight blocks already auctioned. Mining operations in these blocks are expected to begin soon.

Arora said that by securing necessary approvals such as mining plan clearance and environmental permissions prior to auctioning, mining activities can commence faster, thereby creating new opportunities for investment, employment, and revenue generation.

She also instructed officials to effectively curb the illegal entry of gravel and other minerals from neighbouring states via national and state highways. She called for a robust and well-monitored enforcement system along border districts.

The ACS reviewed the progress of weighbridge installations and VTS (Vehicle Tracking System) automation camps and directed officials to obtain stakeholder feedback. She also instructed the department to ensure timely achievement of revenue collection targets.

Special Secretary Mines Smita Vrishni informed that camp-based programmes for Superintending Mining Engineers are being conducted for VTS installation work. She added that nine major mineral blocks were auctioned in April, and the NIB for May has already been issued.

Director Mines Mahaveer Prasad Meena stated that the department is following an annual calendar for implementation and maintaining a strong focus on timely execution.

Senior officials from the department, including additional directors, superintending mining engineers, geologists, and IT officials, attended the meeting.